Entertainment News & Celebrity Gossip

Britney Spears has her eye on The X Factor

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:12:00 -0800

Add Britney Spears to the growing list of pop acts rumored to be on the shortlist for a judging opening on The X Factor. The "Criminal" singer is reportedly "serious" about replacing Paula Abdul or Nicole Scherzinger on the struggling singing show.

Hot on the Web this Wednesday: A big, fat, Southern Louisiana wedding isn't the only thing Britney Spears is busy plotting. We hear the engaged pop tart is the latest singing sensation eager to trade barbs with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on the next season of The X Factor.

Now that former Factor pundits Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger are out, the "Circus" songstress is vying for the opportunity to fill one of the two recently-vacated judging chairs, Us Weekly informants say.

Brit's reportedly made several "serious inquiries" about hashing out a deal to join the second season of the struggling series -- which has failed to draw the mega-ratings of its singing show challengers, like American Idol and The Voice.

Now don't go getting your hopes up, Britney fans: Your beloved Spearsy is facing some stiff competition for the gig.

Twitter wants Britney Spears on Modern Family >>

Cowell, executive producer of The X Factor, has reportedly been holding meetings with potential replacements for the ousted cast members for much of the month. The list of contenders reads like the star-studded guest list for a Hollywood dinner party, sources say.

Janet Jackson is in discussions with producers. And Simon reportedly has his blackened heart set on signing punk pop princess Pink, Reid's one-time protégé. Fergie, Katy Perry and Mariah Carey are some of the other names being tossed around as potential X Factor mentors.

In a recent interview with Extra TV, Cowell confessed that he typically isn't keen on hiring A-listers.

"Firstly, they are incredibly expensive -- that is millions you lose on something else," he explained.

"Secondly, they have to make the time commitment and on my show, they have to work five days a week. Thirdly, they have to be interesting… I'm not playing this game where we have to compete on the level of A-lister stars," the music/television mogul told the show.

Britney's banking that her Grammy-lauded career will give her a leg up on the other girls. After all, Spears has a 14-year string of hits to her credit -- a reign of success that kicked off with " One More Time," her 1998 debut single.

The star also has a strong history with the X Factor franchise. Her 2008 performance on the U.K. edition of the talent competition set a ratings record. Approximately 12.8 million viewers tuned in as Brit performed a medley of her chart-toppers, including "Womanizer" and " Crazy."

Do you think Britney Spears would make a good X Factor judge?

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com

Kourtney Kardashian gets cheesy over baby girl news

Sara McGinnis — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800

Kourtney Kardashian is pregnant with a baby girl! The happy news comes with a side of intense, unusual pregnancy cravings.

Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick's 2-year-old son Mason is soon going to be big brother to a little sister! The reality show star has confirmed the baby she is due with this spring is a girl.

Announcing the news on her personal blog Kourtney Kardashian wrote Wednesday, "I'm so excited to reveal that we are having a baby girl! This is an amazing blessing and Scott and I are so thrilled."

Kris Jenner, matriarch of the Kardashian family, joined in the celebration by tweeting Wednesday, "Hey twitterfam!! @KourtneyKardash @ScottDisick are having a GIRL!!! Can't wait to go buy something PINK! What a blessing!"

Family is "overjoyed" by Kourtney Kardashian's pregnancy >>

Meanwhile Khloe Kardashian has been divulging details of her sister's intense pregnancy cravings. During an appearance on Rachel Ray Khloe revealed it's all about having cheese on demand.

"She wanted to go somewhere, some Spanish restaurant," Khloe said of trying to grab a bite to eat during Kourtney's recent visit to Dallas. "She's pregnant and has been having cravings, and she couldn't get it out of her head!"

Khloe Kardashian pregnancy rumors pile on the pressure >>

Although Khloe suggested the pair wait until her husband, Lamar Odom, could join them after practice, the expectant mother couldn't wait!

"She was like, 'I can't. I'm just going to go and eat there twice,'" Khloe said. "And she was, like, hyperventilating, and I was like, 'Oh my God, it's just queso dip!'"

"That's all she wanted," Khloe concluded of Kourtney's seemingly bizarre behavior. "She was a sweet little pie after that."

Best wishes to Kourtney Kardashian for a continued healthy pregnancy with baby girl!

Image via WENN

Frightening! Robert Englund to guest star on Criminal Minds

Kristin Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:44:00 -0800

Robert Englund invaded our dreams, turning them into nightmares, as Freddy Krueger. Now he's taking on the small screen in a guest spot on Criminal Minds -- but it's not his first TV rodeo.

Robert Englund played perhaps one of the most brilliantly creepy villains on the planet, but how will he fare on Criminal Minds?

The former scare-master of A Nightmare on Elm Street will appear on an upcoming episode of CBS' crime drama, Criminal Minds.

According to a report from Entertainment Weekly, Robert Englund will play Detective Gassner.

Detective Gassner will be instrumental in helping the BAU with a case that involves murders of a ritualistic nature.

This isn't the first time Robert Englund has dabbled in TV. He's also appeared on Hawaii Five-0, Chuck and Bones.

New Girl scoops Big Love star >>

Here's some other fun Criminal Minds news for Buffy fans…

Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum, Juliet Landau, will play the ghost of a former actress who had a psychotic breakdown in her younger years. Now that's scary.

Englund and Landau aren't the only familiar faces showing up on Criminal Minds. Former Veronica Mars star, Kyle Gallner, and Californication's, Madeleine Martin, will also pop up on Englund's episode.

Community gets a return date >>

The episode will be directed by series star Matthew Gray Gubler. It's his third time directing for Criminal Minds.

Robert Englund's episode is said to air in the spring. That's not that long of a wait -- you can handle that, right?

Hit up our comments section and sound off! Give us your favorite memories from the famous Freddy franchise -- unless it creeps you out too much. Go on, we dare you -- put them in writing.

We'll get you started -- The jump rope girls make us a bit squeamish. Okay now it's your turn! Sweet dreams, readers!

Does Robert Englund still scare you?

Photo credit: WENN

X Factor's Rachel Crow inks deal for show on Nickelodeon

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:12:00 -0800

Reality fans will soon be seeing a lot more of teen singing star Rachel Crow. The former X Factor contestant has inked a recording contract with Columbia Records and a deal to star in her own comedy series on Nickelodeon just two months after her stunning elimination from the talent show.

Rachel Crow is Nickelodeon's next Jamie Lynn Spears.

Minus the pregnancy scandal, of course.

The pint-sized powerhouse, who was a favorite to win the $5 million grand prize on the first season of The X Factor, has inked a recording contract and a deal to star in her own television series on Nickelodeon .

All of this despite her controversial exit from the ratings-challenged Fox talent show. In December, Rachel finished fifth on The X Factor, but was left sobbing uncontrollably in front of millions after her shocking elimination -- a fate fans placed squarely on the shoulders of recently-ousted X Factor mentor Nicole Scherzinger.

Crow tugged at the heartstrings of X Factor viewers with her tale of being born to a mother addicted to crack and later adopted into a loving family.

It didn't take long for The Disney Channel to come calling. But it's Nick that will get a shot at turning the young songstress into America' next tween sensation.

X Factor's Rachel Crow inks deal for show on Nickelodeon >>

The network that catapulted Miranda Cosgrove and Amanda Bynes to fame is developing a comedy pilot for the 14-year-old reality star.

"We are in the early stages now. We haven't figured out exactly what we will do with the show yet. I want it to be definitely very 'Rachel' -- something that shows who I am and who I want to be," Rachel told The Hollywood Reporter Wednesday.

"It's been amazing," the teenager added. "A couple days after the elimination I just found myself sitting home asking myself, 'What am I going to do now?' And I never would've thought that this is what I was going to do now… I feel very blessed to have all this."

Rachel has also landed a recurring role on Nick's newest comedy series, Fred: The Show. She joins the cast as Starr, "an eccentric girl who acts and sings and, as her name indicates, wants to be famous," The Reporter writes. The curly-topped crooner is expected to appear in at least five episodes of the series, airing in the spring.

Simon Cowell: Rachel Crow's X Factor elimination "ridiculous" >>

Additionally, Crow has been signed to Columbia Records through a partnership with Syco, the company owned by her X Factor coach Simon Cowell.

"I am incredibly happy for Rachel," Cowell said this week. "This girl has it. We saw her potential at the first audition and Nickelodeon and Columbia are the right homes for her."

Nickelodeon chiefs have yet to announce when Rachel's pilot will be shot. No word on a possible air date.

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com

Are Glee stars Lea Michele and Cory Monteith dating?

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:46:00 -0800

Listen up, Gleeks: The Interwebs are abuzz with dish that Glee stars Lea Michele and Cory Monteith -- perhaps best known as "Finchel" to fans of the series -- are dating in real life.

It's no secret: Glee's Lea Michele and Cory Monteith aren't afraid of a little public display of affection on-screen, but a new report by Life & Style magazine claims the pair is taking their lovey dovey-ness from the halls of McKinley High straight into the real world!

Has Lea's on-screen beau become her real-life boyfriend?

The pair plays engaged high school seniors Finn and Rachel on the Emmy-winning Fox musical-comedy. But the cameras were nowhere in sight as sparks reportedly flew between the twosome on Valentine's Day.

Word is Lea, 25, and Cory, 29, spent the holiday of love together, enjoying a romantic night out at Los Angeles restaurant II Covo. Spywitnesses say the couple couldn't hide their affection for one another as they giggled and even held hands throughout the evening.

We've also heard dish about the twosome feeding one another from across the table.

An spywitness told the glossy, "They were into each other all night. She was very happy, flirting and touching Cory a lot. He just stared at her with puppy-dog eyes. "

A few days later, Lea and Cory were allegedly spotted on another date -- this time at the Ritz-Carlton.

"Cory is totally into her," a Glee crew member reportedly chimed in.

Neither camp is talking, but if the rumors are true, the relationship would be Lea's first since her split from Theo Stockman. The actress parted ways with her boyfriend of 17 months in September.

This isn't the first time Lea's been the subject of rumors of an on-set romance. The pop powerhouse and Broadway alum has been trying to kill the dish about her and Gleekster Matthew Morrison -- who plays Will Schuester on the show -- for more than a year.

"On romance between cast members… I think if it was ever going to happen, it would have happened by now," Michele told Glamour magazine in 2011. "I mean, for me, if it was going to happen with anybody it would have happened with Cory. The moment I saw him, I thought 'This boy is very cute.'"

Hmm, telling, huh?

The last time a pair of Glee stars tried to take love into the land of living, Naya Rivera ended up egging Mark Salling's car .

Let's hope things end up on a rosier note for Lea and Cory.

Would you like to see "Finchel" become an item in real life?

Photo credits: Patricia Schlein/WENN.com

VIDEO: What it takes to make Project Runway's top 10

SheKnows Entertainment Editors — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:30:00 -0800

Michael Costello has been through a few hoops in order to impress the judges during his two seasons on Project Runway season eight and the all star season. What does it take?

Michael Costello on making Project Runway's top 10

Michael Costello talks about what it takes to make the top 10 cut for Project Runway.

"Making it to the top 10 is definitely scary… it's a huge relief. To get to this point and know that the judges like what you're doing and they want to see more from you is definitely mind blowing." Although Costello is grateful he admits that it's not enough. "I just want to stay in longer. Making it to the final 10 is not enough for me."

It's still too early to tell who will take home the grand prize, but it's early enough to assume that Michael's quick sewing skills will take him far.

watch more

Watch more Project Runway exclusive interviews, steal-the-looks and recaps. >>

Russell Brand sets his sights on Cameron Diaz?

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:04:00 -0800

Cammy in the crosshairs: Gossipmongers can't stop gabbing about the rumor that a newly-single Russell Brand has a killer crush on actress Cameron Diaz.

Hey Russ, safe to say things didn't work out with Zooey Deschanel?

With the ink still drying on his divorce papers from Katy Perry, Russell Brand has wasted little time dusting off his jeggings and jumping back into the dating pool.

Cameron Diaz, consider yourself warned.

Russell broke up with "I Kissed a Girl" singer in December, 14 months after they were married in India. A judge approved the divorce on Feb. 8, but under California law, the Brands won't formally become exes until June.

The comedian blames the breakdown of the once-happy union on the couple's nine-year age difference. So naturally, he's on the hunt for someone a bit older.

That's where 38-year-old Cam comes in.

"Russell made a list of women he wanted to possibly date and Cameron was on that list," a friend of Twitter's own Rusty Rockets tells New Weekly magazine. "He's already working the angle."

Interesting.

Rusty better be sure to eat his Wheaties. The What to Expect When You're Expecting actress is one of Celeb-ville's most notorious "Cling Things," according to urban legend. Cameron's penchant for becoming too emotionally attached is oftentimes a turn-off for her would-be suitors -- and at the root of many of her breakups, snitches say.

Diaz's romantic resume includes love affairs with singer/actor Justin Timberlake, British model Paul Sculfor and most recently, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. But it was her 2009 relationship with The Voice's Adam Levine that crashed and burned when Cam began frantically calling and texting the musician after just a few weeks of dating.

"It's how she is with every man. When Cameron likes someone, she smothers him…"

That doesn't mean Russell isn't in for some competition for Diaz's affections. Word 'round the Snitch Circuit is awash that Cam is secretly dating hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Photo credits: Michael Wright/WENN.com

Author Sarah McCoy talks The Baker's Daughter

Candace of Beth Fish Reads — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:00 -0800

Sarah McCoy, author of two novels, visits the SheKnows Book Lounge to talk about: her new book, The Baker's Daughter, the writing process and of course, baking.

SheKnows: How do you describe your new novel, The Baker's Daughter, to your friends and family?

Sarah McCoy: I tell them it's the story of two strong women: Elsie Schmidt, a German baker, and Reba Adams, a young reporter in El Paso, Texas. Reba is assigned to interview the elderly Elsie, and they find their lives overlapping. Dark secrets from both of their pasts are brought to the surface. Elsie questions Reba's struggle to commit to her fiance, a U.S. border patrol officer, and Reba's questions, force Elsie to remember the horrific last year of WWII in Germany under the Nazi occupation. It's a story of courage and betrayal, of mothers and daughters, fathers and daughters, sisters and ultimately of humanity and the choices we make. It's not a sugar-coated candy story. It's more like a rich slice of chocolate Black Forest cake.

SheKnows: Your novel is set in three places, El Paso, where you live now, Virginia, where your family lives now and Germany, where you spent part of your childhood. Did you return to Germany to research your book or did you rely on your memory?

Sarah McCoy: My last visit to Garmisch was in 2001. My husband was working at a restaurant called the Von Steuben. I had just completed a study abroad semester in Italy and Switzerland. I took the train to Garmisch to stay with him for a week. When writing The Baker's Daughter, I referenced my memories and photos of that trip, previous visits with my family and my childhood living in Germany. Of course, the factual information came from history books, old military documents, eyewitness accounts, etc. My personal memories helped my imagination fill in the sensory details: how the old streets look at night, the feel of the cobblestones underfoot, the smell of an Alpine night, the clip of the foreign tongue, the taste — oh the taste, of good German bread.

SheKnows: What did you learn from the process of seeing your first book, The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico, through to publication that helped you when you were working on The Baker's Daughter?

Sarah McCoy: I learned from, The Time It Snowed In Puerto Rico, that if you write what you like to read, your readers will enjoy it too. I love to be completely immersed in a book — to be transcended so that I can feel the story world all around me. I believe that's a characteristic of all my writing, but it certainly helped me while writing The Baker's Daughter. I loved reading it. I loved writing it! Now, I'm hoping readers do, too.

SheKnows: What book are you reading this week?

Sarah McCoy: The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings. I took SheKnows' advice in January's "Books to film: which is better?" column and picked up the book before I see the George Clooney film. As well, I adore the stuffing out of Caroline Leavitt , as an author and a friend, so your review sold me!

SheKnows: What is the best part of being on a book tour? The worst?

Sarah McCoy: The best part is meeting all the incredibly supportive readers, book clubs, storeowners and reviewers! I've chatted with so many online that I feel as if we were old friends. It'll be a dream come true to finally give out hugs and talk face to face about The Baker's Daughter. The worst part is being away from home. I'm a homebody who loves nothing more than couch snuggling with my two boys on a cold winter's night. I'll miss them but know that when I return, I'll have many wonderful stories to share and new friends to introduce.

SheKnows: The Baker's Daughter features two bakeries — one in Germany and one in Texas, and so it's a great treat to find recipes in the back of the book. How many baked goods did you make and taste when writing the novel?

Sarah McCoy: I didn't add the Epilogue of recipes until months after I finished writing the novel. They weren't going to be included until the book was almost to production. At that time, I went into the text and listed all the baked items that had significance to the characters. There were so many, but I wanted a solid dozen.

I was diagnosed with celiac disease after returning from my last trip to Germany around 2002, so this book was an amazing way for me to revisit all my favorite baked goods without the adverse physical effects. It was a difficult role to fill, but my husband took on the "burden" of being my taste tester. Having worked at a German restaurant, I figured he'd be the perfect food critic. I'd make various German recipes, set the warm goods before him and watch silently to see his reaction. The baker is always partial to believing his/her creation is great, but you can tell the truth about a recipe in the first 30 seconds it is eaten. If it's good or mediocre, the human face does not lie. Palate response is instinctual. I put together the top twelve that garnered instantaneous eye twinkles followed by mouthful mumbles of, "awesome."

When readers read The Baker's Daughter and then bake Elsie's recipes, I hope they experience that same magic.

SheKnows: You're at work on your third novel. What can you tell us about it?

Sarah McCoy: The novel I'm currently working on examines parenthood. It's about a husband and wife fractured by desperation and disappointment in their attempts to conceive a traditional family. I'm captivated by the idea of nurturing — what it means to be a mother or a father outside the conventions. Inspiration for this novel came from my own life and from walking closely beside close friends as they struggled with parenthood/fertility issues. My couple must make monumental decisions regarding betrayal and forgiveness, life and death, which ultimately shape their future.

SheKnows book review: The Baker's Daughter
Author Amy Hatvany talks Outside the Lines
Read it first: February's books to read, then see the movie

What do you mean the Oscars aren't diverse?!

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:52:00 -0800

A new Los Angeles Times study has revealed some telling details about the voters who cast the ballots that determine Hollywood's best in cinema.

This just in: Oscar voters are old, White and male.

Shocking, we know.

The 84th Academy Awards is scheduled to honor the year's best in cinema on Sunday night and a new Los Angeles Times study is shedding new light on the actual demographics of the voters.

Apparently, the overwhelming majority of the folks casting ballots have penises and are old enough to remember when Howdy Doody and The Honeymooners still ruled the airwaves.

There are 5,765 members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the group responsible for handing out Hollywood's highest accolade: The Academy Award.

High-profile Academy members include Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg and wouldn't you know it, Meryl Streep. Rocker Meat Loaf, Charlie's Angels' Jaclyn Smith and CHiPs star Erik Estrada also encompass the self-professed group of "the most accomplished men and women working in cinema."

Now here are the deets: Of the stars who make up the elite group, 94 percent are Caucasian, 77 percent are male and only 14 percent are under the age of 50, according to The Times. The median age of an academy voter is 62. A mere two percent of Academy voters are African-American -- and even less than that are of Hispanic descent.

2012 Oscar race begins: The ballots are in the mail >>

There's often a preference given to little watched, but critically-acclaimed Oscar contenders, with big budget, blockbuster films rarely making the cut.

Critics argue that the "White and old" voter bias skews the films chosen. Opponents, however, feel that the issue of diversity within the Academy reflects similar problems within Hollywood itself.

Take writer-director Phil Alden Robinson, for instance.

"We need to do a better job. We start off with one hand tied behind our back… If the industry as a whole is not doing a great job in opening up its ranks, it's very hard for us to diversify our membership," says Robinson, who is Governor of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Oh -- and while we're on the subject, this year's Academy Awards will be hosted by Billy Crystal… a 63-year-old White guy.

Oscar nominations 2012: The stars react >>

Tom Sherak, the Academy's president, says the group is working to diversify its membership. Not a moment too soon for Harry Potter's leading man, actor Daniel Radcliffe.

DanRad has joined the chorus of fans who think it's downright unjust that the series finale, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, was largely snubbed in this year's Oscar nominations. Last summer's cinema blockbuster only managed to nab hat-tips for Art Direction, Makeup and Visual Effects.

"I don't think the Oscars like commercial films or kids' films, unless they're directed by Martin Scorsese. I was watching Hugo the other day and going, 'Why is this nominated and we're not?' I was slightly miffed," Radcliffe told Radio Times this month.

"There's a certain amount of snobbery. It's kind of disheartening. I never thought I'd care. But it would've been nice to have some recognition, just for the hours put in," he added.

Photo credits: Adriana Barraza/WENN.com

Zac Efron and Taylor Swift clarify relationship in song

Castina Watson — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:12:00 -0800

Zac Efron and Taylor Swift -- who lend their voices to the new Dr. Seuss animated comedy The Lorax -- have performed a song that they hope puts the kibosh on rumors of romance once and for all.

Zac Efron and Taylor Swift are in the City of Angels this week, promoting the release of their new film, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax. But when the twosome swung by The Ellen DeGeneres Show for a little pre-premiere promoting on Tuesday, they decided to clear up those pesky relationship rumors once and for all.

The pair poked fun at whispers that they are romantically involved by performing a duet cover of Foster the People's 2011 hit, "Pumped Up Kicks."

Dueting to deny a romance? We like it!

Zac and Taylor were rumored to be Tinseltown's latest "It" item after the duo was allegedly spotted on a dinner date last month. On Jan. 6, the High School Musical star allegedly enjoyed a "flirty dinner" with Swifty at Pace Restaurant in Los Angeles.

Both have denied that they're involved.

Taylor Swift gets flirty with Zac Efron >>

Of course, that didn't stop Ellen from prying.

"You are both adorable and adorable together, like a cute couple," Ellen quipped.

"I knew this was going to happen," Taylor and Zac responded in unison.

Throughout the interview, the daytime gabber kept jokingly referring to the pair's alleged coupledom.

"We are not a couple. He's awesome, we are not a couple though. You hear people get together when they're shooting movies, co-stars," Taylor replied before breaking out her guitar and breaking into song.

In fact, Taylor isn't seeing anyone these days.

Zac's been most romantically linked to Mirror, Mirror actress Lily Collins in recent weeks. The country darling, on the other hand, spent her Valentine's Day hosting a "pathetic single girls party."

"That was actually what it was called," she laughed. "I had my single girlfriends over and we had junk food, ate whatever we wanted and danced and made profile cards about why we are single."

The "Speak Now" songstress has famously dated the likes of Taylor Lautner, Jake Gyllenhaal, Chord Overstreet, John Mayer and Joe Jonas. But she never wants to be the girl who always needs a boyfriend.

"You have to be OK with it," she continued. "If you're that girl that needs a boyfriend and once she loses that boyfriend needs to replace it with a different boyfriend, it's just this constant stream of boyfriends all the time."

"I don't feel like I ever want to be that girl."

Do you think Zac and Taylor would make a cute couple?

Zac Efron, Taylor Swift Duet on Ellen

Zac and Taylor Debunk Romance Rumors with Duet

Photo credit: WENN.com

Chris Brown is a "sad cowardly little boy"

Caroline Goddard — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:49:00 -0800

Chris Brown is being challenged to a wrestling match by a WWE fighter who says the singer should know what it feels like to have the crap beaten out of him -- kinda like Rihanna.

Miranda Lambert isn't the only Chris Brown hater around here. WWE champ CM Punk says he wants to "curb stomp" the singer so Brown can "fight someone that can defend themselves" -- unlike Brown's victim Rihanna.

CM Punk started a Twitter war when he made the comments, and Brown immediately took the bait.

"@CMpunk needs more followers. He's such a leader! Not to mention the roids he's on has made it utterly impossible for him pleasure a women," he wrote.

"@CMpunk contact my assistant and I'll have em send u an autographed pic for my biggest FAN!!!"

The wrestling champion is not amused. CM Punk released a video in which he first denies doing any drugs, contrary to Brown's snide comments, and actually challenges the singer to a wrestling match -- in the name of charity, of course.

Chris Brown better duck -- Miranda Lambert has a gun >>

"[Chris] has made the wrong accusations to the wrong person because I can defend myself," Punk said.

"I will choke you out and I will make you feel as weak and as powerless and scared and alone as any woman who has the misfortune of knowing a sad cowardly little boy such as yourself."

Watch CM Punk challenge Chris Brown:

Cm Punk challenges Chris Brown Chris Brown

Cm Punk response to the twitter war between him and Chris Brown

Brown won't leave well enough alone and has already responded via Twitter, pointedly avoiding the topic of actually fighting a man like a man.

"I really hope this 15 minutes of fame is paying you for the long run becuz music last[s] forever!" he wrote. "Wrestlers come and go according to ratings!"

While many pop culture junkies would probably love to see Brown get pummeled in the ring, one person who inexplicably seems to be on his side is his victim, Rihanna. The "We Fell in Love" singer seems to have forgiven and forgotten the beating that left her face looking like this and has recorded two songs with Brown -- plus welcomed him as a guest at her birthday party.

Image courtesy SplashNews

Kate Upton to Victoria's Secret: "It's all good"

Meagan Morris — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 05:39:00 -0800

Kate Upton is on top of the world, thanks to her sexy Sports Illustrated cover. Is she worried about what Victoria's Secret thinks about her, though? Not exactly.

It seems like the only person not upset over the comments a Victoria's Secret model scout made about Kate Upton is Kate Upton. The Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover girl was asked about it during an interview — and she made it obvious that it's not a big deal.

"I didn't even try out for the runway show. But also, I don't think that anything she said was that mean," she told Access Hollywood, referring to Sophia Neophitou's comments to the New York Times.

"She's like a Page 3 girl," Neophitou said. "She's like a footballer's wife, with the too-blond hair and that kind of face that anyone with enough money can go out and buy."

The rumored girlfriend of New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez doesn't think that's so bad.

"Well, 'football player's wife'… Gisele's a football player's wife — I'm OK! Gisele's in that category, I'm good," Upton told Access Hollywood in a recent interview.

Still, the 19-year-old couldn't resist getting in a dig at her adversary. "It's all good — she can think that, I can think whatever I want to think about her."

5 Fun Facts about Sports Illustrated's Kate Upton >>

Upton's not exactly begging for work — she's the star of a sexy new Carl's Jr. commercial, filmed in January. Why would the sexy model shill for burgers? Sex appeal, of course.

"The first thing you have to do is get people to watch your ads," said Andy Puzder, CEO of CKE Restaurants. "I guarantee you there will be a very small number of young guys fast-forwarding through this ad."

Anyway, we think Upton is just the type of girl who isn't worried about eating a burger — or two.

"I love my curves. You know, I'm healthy and I think that's what Sports Illustrated represents: Healthy, confident women who love their bodies," she told Access Hollywood.

We're with you, Kate.

Image courtesy Thelonius / Splash News

Aretha Franklin dumped by Whitney Houston's mom?

Caroline Goddard — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 20:40:00 -0800

Was Aretha Franklin really in too much pain to attend Whitney Houston's funeral? Or did Whitney's mom Cissy Houston ban the legend over a spat?

Aretha Franklin was scheduled to speak and perform at Whitney Houston's funeral on Saturday, but mysteriously backed out at the last minute. Kinda strange for a woman Whitney described as her honorary godmother, right? So what happened?

Franklin released a statement the morning of the funeral saying leg problems prevented her from showing up.

"Regretfully, I am so sorry that I was unable to be with you at Whitney's service today," she said.

Musicians remember Whitney Houston >>

"I had every intention of being there. But unfortunately I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles until 4:00 a.m. this morning following my concert last night, which I've been having for the last few days."

"I feel it necessary and very important to stay off my leg today as much as possible until concert time this evening. My heart goes out to my dear friend Cissy, Dionne, Bobbi Kristina and the rest of the family. May God keep them all. -- Aretha & the Franklin Family."

Bobby Brown exploiting Whitney Houston in tell-all >>

Alicia Keys performed in her place.

However, Franklin didn't appear to be in too much pain Saturday night after her concert when she entertained 40 friends at the Ritz Carlton in New York, witnesses told the New York Daily News.

So what actually happened? Insiders say the real reason Franklin was a no-show at the funeral was because Whitney's mom Cissy Houston uninvited her over a perceived slam.

In an interview with Al Roker, Franklin said, "Parents really have to talk to their children before they leave home. They have to make sure when they leave home, they have all the right things. She left home with all the right things, but she just kind of lost her way along the way."

Did Cissy think Franklin meant she failed as a mother? She's not talking, but Franklin's rep insists the leg pain story is the real deal.

Image courtesy SplashNews

Daily celebrity buzz for February 21, 2012

Caroline Goddard — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:10:00 -0800

Check out today's top celebrity news from around the web including Kate Upton, Mischa Barton, Lindsay Lohan and much more!

Kate Upton tells Victoria's Secret where they can stick their wings - Access Hollywood

Mischa Barton is still getting paid - Amy Grindhouse

Lindsay Lohan is attempting a comeback - Fabulous Buzz

Rose McGowan gets her hair did - I'm Not Obsessed

Jennifer Garner is still pregnant - Babyrazzi

Aretha Franklin wasn't sick after all - Celebrity Smack

Jennifer Aniston loves being naked - Starpulse

John Mayer goes country - Hollywire

The Simpsons hits 500 - Celebrity Cafe

NCIS review - TV Fanatic

Justin Bieber is quite the prolific writer - Reality TV Magazine

Image courtesy SplashNews

Chris Brown better duck: Miranda Lambert has a gun

Caroline Goddard — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:06:00 -0800

Miranda Lambert says she would never fall victim to the likes of Chris Brown -- because girlfriend's got a gun and she knows how to use it.

Miranda Lambert isn't done with Chris Brown. After expressing her disgust on Twitter after the Grammys that convicted woman beater Chris Brown is back to being lauded like he never smacked up Rihanna, she is taking her ire to the stage.

"I just have to speak my mind, because where I come from, beating up on a woman is never OK," Lambert told the crowd at her concert in Amherst, Massachusetts Thursday.

"So that's why my daddy taught me early on in life how to use a shotgun," she said to huge cheers from the audience, before breaking into her hit song "Gunpowder and Lead."

Who's disgusted by Chris Brown's Grammy return? >>

Why that song, and why is Lambert so passionate about breaking down Chris Brown? Simple: She has seen the devastation that domestic violence can wreak.

"The song is actually about waiting for a husband to get out of jail so she can shoot him," Miranda told Dial-Global in 2008. "But it came from a real place in my life. When I was 14 years old, my parents took in abused women and children. I had to share my room with a mom and daughter. And my brother had to share with two brothers, and their mom lived downstairs, and it was a three-bedroom house. It really has a meaning to me."

Chris Brown's defiant tweet: "Hate all you want" >>

After Lambert's incredulous post-Grammy tweet, Brown got a bit defensive.

"Using my name to get publicity? I love it! Perform your heart out! Go buy Miranda Lambert album! So motivational and 'PERFECT'!" he wrote in a post that was quickly deleted and blamed on someone else who supposedly has access to his account.

Image courtesy SplashNews

Glee winter finale: A regionals winner emerges out of tragedy

Kristin Watson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:47:00 -0800

If we've learned anything from Glee's finales, it's everything surely changes. Tuesday's winter finale was no exception to the Glee rule. In fact, it was quite emotional.

While the big event of Glee's winter finale, "On My Way," centered around the face-off between the Warblers and the New Directions at regionals -- it was the significant changes that carried the most weight in the episode.

Glee summer tour not happening >>

With game-changing moments hitting Glee fans to the core on the winter finale, here's your survival guide to what you need to know about "On My Way."

David Karofsky reaches a breaking point

When David Karofsky returned in last week's episode and professed his feelings to Kurt, we knew there was something big on the horizon. What we didn't expect, was that he would try to take his own life, setting off a chain reaction of feelings and emotions in every character.

Quinn felt it was selfish, Kurt felt guilt and others didn't know what to think.

What everyone did agree with was that regionals was to be a tribute and celebration of Karofsky. Talk about a hot mash-up -- "Fly" and "I Believe I Can Fly" was hot! So hot, it won the New Directions regionals.

Karofsky and Kurt got the chance to have a heart to heart in the hospital in a beautiful moment where nothing was sugarcoated and Kurt helped him look to the future.

Amber Riley nails "I Will Always Love You" >>

Meet me at the altar

Rachel and Finn took a "life is short" approach in dealing with Karofsky's suicide attempt -- they planned to marry immediately after the regionals competition at City Hall.

Both sets of parents were not happy, but this wedding was going down!

With everyone gathered at City Hall, Rachel tried to stall a few seconds as Quinn was running late. While texting Rachel and driving, Quinn was in an accident!

Wow, we have no idea if Finn and Rachel say "I do" before finding out Quinn was in accident or if Quinn is okay.

Oh, and Sue Sylvester is pregnant!

If that isn't incentive enough to tune in when Glee returns in April, we don't know what is.

Head over to our comments section and sound off...

What did you think of Glee's winter finale?

Photo credit: Fox

Adele pulls an M.I.A. after BRIT Awards cut-off

Caroline Goddard — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:32:00 -0800

Adele just won huge at the BRIT Awards -- so why is she flipping the bird during her acceptance speech? Read on to find out what caused her M.I.A. moment.

It was another huge moment in the smash career of Adele: Two big wins at the BRIT Awards, her home field version of the Grammys. So why was the "Rolling in the Deep" singer ticked off enough to pull an M.I.A. and flip someone off from the stage on live television?

Simple: She was victim of the dreaded "play off."

Adele "needed to be silenced" >>

Adele was in the midst of her second acceptance speech when host James Corden cut her off to introduce the final musical act, Blur. She only had time to get out the following: "Thank you very, very much," she said. "Nothing is better than coming home with six Grammies and winning Album of the Year. Nothing makes me prouder than to be British." She then quickly wrapped up and flipped the bird pointedly to someone offstage -- a move caught by ITV cameras and broadcast across the U.K.

But the singer wants everyone to know exactly who that middle finger was meant for -- and it most definitely was not her fans or anyone else watching at home.

Adele wants to spit in her loser dad's face >>

"I was cut off during my speech but I wanted to thank the British public for all their support," she said after the show. "I was held up with my voice and troubles but the album kept walking without me. I flipped the bird for the suits at the BRITS who cut me off. Sorry if I offended anyone but it was for them, not for the fans."

Watch Adele flip the bird at the BRIT Awards:

Adele cut off during her acceptance speech Brit Awards 2012 HD

Adele flips off producers during the BRIT Awards

Prior to the incident a different finger of Adele's was drawing mucho attention. The singer was rockin' some serious bling on the ring finger of her left hand -- a totally different ring than the one she sported at the Grammys. Did boyfriend Simon Konecki pop the question?

Image courtesy SplashNews

Confirmed: Community gets a return date...

Kristin Watson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:10:00 -0800

Get out your big red pens and mark your calendars. The creator of Community has released the return date for fan favorite Community. Keep reading if you want the deets!

Ask and you shall receive. Community is returning to NBC's Thursday lineup on March 15 for a season three you won't want to miss.

Community creator Dan Harmon hit up Twitter Tuesday to share the news. Harmon tweeted, "What you call 8:00, we call home. Community returns to Thursday nights on March 15th."

The comedy's return is going to be a welcome one for fans alike, but here's the hitch...

Community will return to its 8 p.m. time slot -- against CBS' The Big Bang Theory.

The Big Bang Theory has been playing to decent ratings lately and could present a problem for the little TV show that could -- but we'll have to watch and see.

Nerds vs. weird community college students -- you decide.

That leaves NBC's Thursday lineup as the following : Community , 30 Rock , The Office and Up All Night .

Parks and Recreation will return on April 19 when Up All Night finishes up its 24-episode run.

As if Thursdays weren't enough to laugh about on NBC, there's a host of new comedy shows coming to Wednesdays.

Bent will debut on March 21, while Betty White's Off Their Rockers and Best Friends Forever premieres on April 4.

Who doesn't want to see the spunky Betty White in a hidden-camera show? It might actually be better than the revamped Punk'd on MTV!

Head over to our comments section and sound off over the return of Community. We know you have an opinion, so why not use it?

Are you ready to get your laugh on?

Photo credit: NBC

Ratings: The Voice continues to be heard

Kristin Watson — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:01:00 -0800

Smash is not living up to its name -- and that will be the last pun-ish blurb we make about that. Keep reading to see which shows took Monday night and which ones tanked.

Simon Cowell can keep making all the little digs he wants about a "sing-off" between the top three singing competitions -- the ratings speak for themselves.

According to numbers from TV Guide, The Voice helped lead NBC to a sweet Monday ratings victory, with the show catching the attention of 15.7 million viewers and a 5.8 rating in adults 18-49.

The reality singing competition, which is in the midst of its blind auditions, slipped slightly from last week, but not enough to cause panic.

Smash, which we originally thought would be a hit, is steadily losing steam, garnering only 6.5 million viewers this week, which is a drop from last week -- you can't win everybody over.

Oddly enough, the J.J. Abrams prison drama at Fox, Alcatraz, hit a series low of 5.96 million viewers.

Here's our take on the ratings: It's pilot season and people are looking for something a bit different or simply want to see their favorite staple.

Perhaps they're turning away from the likes of Smash and Alcatraz because, while they're new, they're not different enough to keep their attention.

Maybe some of the new pilots coming down the pipeline will fare better.

Have you been tuning in to watch Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine mentor the future of music?

We want to hear from you. Are some of your favorite shows losing the ratings war or are they hanging in there?

What's been your favorite show this winter season?

Photo credit: NBC

Bobby Brown exploiting Whitney Houston in tell-all

Caroline Goddard — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:52:00 -0800

Bobby Brown is planning a tell-all book about his ex-wife Whitney Houston. Is the diva already spinning in her grave?

Bobby Brown is keeping it classy. After walking out of Whitney Houston's funeral, the infamous ex is planning a tell-all book exploiting his dead wife and their marriage.

And get this -- it isn't the first time he's tried to pull this stunt. This time, though, public interest -- and big money -- is on his side.

Bobby Brown devastated over death >>

"Back in 2008, the interest in a book on Whitney Houston wasn't that great," a nameless major publisher told the Huffington Post. "Whitney had fallen off the radar back then... but now, following her tragic death, the market has changed. Now is the time for a book that details an honest look into the life of Whitney."

Another factor blocking the 2008 book? A confidentiality agreement Brown signed after the couple's divorce that might be null and void now that Houston is dead.

Janet Jackson remembers friend Whitney Houston >>

One thing is for sure: Bobby Brown is hard up for cash.

"This is a man who left his ex-wife's funeral because he didn't like his seats and went to a paying gig that night," a friend of Houston told HuffPo. "He didn't get on stage that night because he needed to sing his greatest hits or because Whitney would have wanted him to entertain his fans, he did it to get a paycheck -- the same reason he now wants to write a tell-all book."

Tell us: Will you read Bobby Brown's tell-all about Whitney Houston?

Image courtesy Adriana M. Barraza / WENN.com

Read on for more Whitney Houston

Jennifer Hudson's touching tribute to Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston cause of death: Xanax and drowning?
Whitney Houston and other shocking celebrity deaths

Entertainment News & Celebrity Gossip

Britney Spears has her eye on The X Factor

Twitter wants Britney Spears on Modern Family >>

Do you think Britney Spears would make a good X Factor judge?

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com

Kourtney Kardashian gets cheesy over baby girl news

Family is "overjoyed" by Kourtney Kardashian's pregnancy >>

Khloe Kardashian pregnancy rumors pile on the pressure >>

Image via WENN

Frightening! Robert Englund to guest star on Criminal Minds

New Girl scoops Big Love star >>

Community gets a return date >>

Does Robert Englund still scare you?

Photo credit: WENN

X Factor's Rachel Crow inks deal for show on Nickelodeon

X Factor's Rachel Crow inks deal for show on Nickelodeon >>

Simon Cowell: Rachel Crow's X Factor elimination "ridiculous" >>

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com

Are Glee stars Lea Michele and Cory Monteith dating?

Would you like to see "Finchel" become an item in real life?

Photo credits: Patricia Schlein/WENN.com

VIDEO: What it takes to make Project Runway's top 10

watch more

Russell Brand sets his sights on Cameron Diaz?

Photo credits: Michael Wright/WENN.com

Author Sarah McCoy talks The Baker's Daughter

SheKnows: How do you describe your new novel, The Baker's Daughter, to your friends and family?

SheKnows: Your novel is set in three places, El Paso, where you live now, Virginia, where your family lives now and Germany, where you spent part of your childhood. Did you return to Germany to research your book or did you rely on your memory?

SheKnows: What did you learn from the process of seeing your first book, The Time It Snowed in Puerto Rico, through to publication that helped you when you were working on The Baker's Daughter?

SheKnows: What book are you reading this week?

SheKnows: What is the best part of being on a book tour? The worst?

SheKnows: The Baker's Daughter features two bakeries — one in Germany and one in Texas, and so it's a great treat to find recipes in the back of the book. How many baked goods did you make and taste when writing the novel?

SheKnows: You're at work on your third novel. What can you tell us about it?

Read more

What do you mean the Oscars aren't diverse?!

2012 Oscar race begins: The ballots are in the mail >>

Oscar nominations 2012: The stars react >>

Photo credits: Adriana Barraza/WENN.com

Zac Efron and Taylor Swift clarify relationship in song

Taylor Swift gets flirty with Zac Efron >>

Do you think Zac and Taylor would make a cute couple?

Photo credit: WENN.com

Chris Brown is a "sad cowardly little boy"

Chris Brown better duck -- Miranda Lambert has a gun >>

Watch CM Punk challenge Chris Brown:

Image courtesy SplashNews

Kate Upton to Victoria's Secret: "It's all good"

5 Fun Facts about Sports Illustrated's Kate Upton >>

Image courtesy Thelonius / Splash News

Aretha Franklin dumped by Whitney Houston's mom?

Musicians remember Whitney Houston >>

Bobby Brown exploiting Whitney Houston in tell-all >>

Image courtesy SplashNews

Daily celebrity buzz for February 21, 2012

Image courtesy SplashNews

Chris Brown better duck: Miranda Lambert has a gun

Who's disgusted by Chris Brown's Grammy return? >>

Chris Brown's defiant tweet: "Hate all you want" >>

Image courtesy SplashNews

Glee winter finale: A regionals winner emerges out of tragedy

Glee summer tour not happening >>

David Karofsky reaches a breaking point

Amber Riley nails "I Will Always Love You" >>

Meet me at the altar

What did you think of Glee's winter finale?

Photo credit: Fox

Adele pulls an M.I.A. after BRIT Awards cut-off

Adele "needed to be silenced" >>

Adele wants to spit in her loser dad's face >>

Watch Adele flip the bird at the BRIT Awards:

Image courtesy SplashNews

Confirmed: Community gets a return date...

Are you ready to get your laugh on?

Photo credit: NBC

Ratings: The Voice continues to be heard

What's been your favorite show this winter season?

Photo credit: NBC

Bobby Brown exploiting Whitney Houston in tell-all

Bobby Brown devastated over death >>

Janet Jackson remembers friend Whitney Houston >>